Buffalo, NY - Join us for Coffee and Conversation: Leadership Lessons that Inspire — an engaging morning of leadership insights hosted by Canisius University President Steve K. Stoute.
In what promises to be a lively and empowering conversation, the event will feature two distinguished alumni: Edward Burke Carey ’69, retired real estate leader and entrepreneur, and Dennis Strigl ’74, HON ’11, retired president, CEO, and COO of Verizon Wireless.
The free event takes place Saturday, September 27 from 10:00 - 11:15 a.m., in the Regis Room located on the second floor of the Richard E. Winter ’42 Student Center. Current students, parents, alumni, donors, faculty and staff are welcome! Please register as seating is limited.
Discover how Canisius shapes the leaders of tomorrow
Through a reflective and forward-looking dialogue, the conversation will bring to life the essence of a Canisius education: that it is where leaders are made.
This discussion will explore the personal and professional journeys of Carey and Strigl, highlighting how their experiences at Canisius shaped their careers. Planned topics include “Foundations: The Canisius Experience,” “Career Journeys & Leadership Lessons” and “Wisdom for the Next Generation,” to be followed by an audience question-and-answer session.
Attendees will gain valuable insight into the key leadership lessons the guests have learned, the challenges they've faced and the advice they wish they had received as students.
Leadership rooted in Jesuit values: Two alumni share their journeys
Carey and Strigl’s stories offer a glimpse into the experiences that shaped their paths to leadership.
For example, even as a paperboy, Carey was confident he would one day own a successful business.
“And then from the time I became a Canisius student and through to my service on the Board of Trustees, I was proud to be part of the motto ‘Where Leaders Are Made,’” he said.
Although he majored in business management, Carey said it was his minor in philosophy that truly made a difference.
“I learned much more from the Jesuits in my theology and philosophy courses than other subjects. This formed a lot of my beliefs and ethics that I followed in my life and my business career,” he said. He also added, “I would tell any young person who asked to make sure along with your studies and career goals that you focus on family and friends who will help you through life."
Carey shared that both he and his friend, Strigl credit Canisius for empowering students to lead and inspiring some of their earliest leadership opportunities, including their service together as 2nd Lieutenants in the New York Army National Guard.
As for Strigl, he began his time at Canisius in pre-med, a field his father insisted he pursue. “After two years, I realized it wasn’t for me,” Strigl said.
He dropped out to take flying lessons, hoping to become a pilot. Strigl eventually joined the U.S. Army with Carey before he could be drafted. Following his service, Strigl resumed pursuing his dream of working for the airline — until he discovered the job only paid $350 a month.
“Even back then it wasn’t a lot of money,” laughed Strigl.
A friend suggested he walk Buffalo’s Main Street looking for work, leading him to the New York Telephone Company at 65 Franklin St. — and the start of his career in the telephone business.
After some time, Strigl’s manager told him, “You’re going to need a college degree or you’re not going anywhere.”
He returned to Canisius to finish his undergraduate degree and later received his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Strigl attributes his Canisius education and its grounding in Jesuit ideals and values as keys to his success.
“Trust and integrity are building block of success,” said Strigl. “Throughout my career I’ve always believed in doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching. It can be a challenge for some people because violating the rules is easier.”
Strigl offers three pieces of advice for today’s students:
- First, to understand that the education received at Canisius provides a solid foundation—and that commencement is only the beginning.
- Second, that failure in the “school of hard knocks” is invaluable. “Life isn’t fair,” said Strigl. “Adversity and how we react is important. Turn challenges into opportunities.”
And lastly, he advises students to proceed with humility. - “Don’t get caught up in your own success,” he said, reflecting on his own career shaped by resilience, humility, and a commitment to lifelong growth.
To hear more from Ed Burke Carey and Dennis Strigl, be sure to register for this event and other Griff Weekend Events here.
